“Grand Frère, Tanti [Big Brother, Aunty], may God bless you. Thank you very much for all you are doing for us. The children who love you very much.” With those words, the children ended a touching little surprise speech they had prepared for us.

It was the day of the inauguration of our new study center. The classroom was full of parents, and the chief of the quarter was also present. After some words of welcome, I explained our vision for the classroom and library. We want it to be a place where neighborhood children can study in peace and quiet, where we can provide schoolbooks for them and where they can play educational games. We then gave the chief of the quarter and some other local leaders the opportunity to speak. After a closing prayer of dedication from Pastor Agbossassa of the Natitingou church, the kids came forward with their surprise. They had prepared a skit about four schoolboys, some eager to study, and others not. Then the same group reappeared 15 years later, one of them a doctor, one a director, one a mechanic and the last one in prison! It was great entertainment, underlining the importance of education and positive attitude. At the end, one of the kids read a carefully prepared speech thanking us and promising to make good use of the place.

We praise God and thank all the people who contributed to the construction of this building. It is the foundation stone for our future since we plan to go into full-time children’s ministry once the Otammari Project is complete. As I write this, we are also gearing up for a four-day women’s retreat at the center. During summer vacation, we will organize a Vacation Bible School in the classroom. In the fall, we plan to have an evangelistic campaign there with the women of the Natitingou church.

Please pray for our center, that it will be a house where people can meet Jesus. May His name be glorified!

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